Thrash Metal Drumming Tips
Posted on | April 7, 2011 | No Comments
Who doesn’t love the strong percussion of a metal rock song? Percussion is a key element in a metal rock group’s sound. Only an experienced, highly skilled drummer is capable of performing metal on a serious level. A metal drummer needs to be able to play double base as it is core to the strong percussion of the metal genre. This is not an easy feat to accomplish even for a veteran drummer.
What drum set you decide upon using is a personal preference. Some prefer the feel and look of a traditional drum kit. Their reasoning would be that there is no substitute for the real thing. However, there have been more artists choosing to use an electric drum kit. One reason the V drum set is becoming more popular is that they are never out of tune. This is huge convenience and time saver and ensures the sound will always be perfect. Another benefit of an electronic drum kit is the fact that an artist can record straight from the drums. This is again a huge convenience.
Whichever set you choose to play, you are going to have to look the part of a hard core, metal drummer. Don’t show up for a gig in a suit, unless you have on shorts and you cut the sleeves out first. Develop a signature look that lets others know you are a rocker, but that still sets you apart for the crowd. Use your clothing, your hair, makeup and accessories to develop a look that works for you and your groupies. Experiment with different hair colors and styles, maybe dabble in makeup. Utilize eyeliner and some dark blush to give your look a rocker edge. The sky is the limit and a look is specific to you and you alone.
Showmanship is also an integral part of a great rock show. Pyrotechnics going off around the band, strobe lights, smoke and even blood have all been a part of creating a rock experience at concerts. As a drummer, you want to stand out and add a little swagger to your performance. Doing tricks with your drum sticks is always impressive, but requires hours of dedicated practice. Experiment and find what works for you and your band. You and your band members’ performances should complement each other and not conflict. The goal is to appear as a cohesive group.
Rock metal has made a comeback in recent years, with groups like Killswitch Engage topping the charts. The tragic death of Avenged Sevenfold drummer James “The Rev” Sullivan also brought metal into the media spotlight. The death of “The Rev” added fuel to the allegations that rock groups abused drugs. Remember that the bad boy image you are striving to project should be just that, an image. It is about showmanship and drug use should never be glamorized. Most artists are clean and don’t use drugs, but the sad truth is that drugs are readily available. Avoid the temptation as it will only lead you down a negative path. Metal rock is being recognized as a legitimate music genre and being taken seriously by critics. So, find your inspiration and let your music guide you.
Yamaha drums vs. Ion drums
Posted on | March 27, 2011 | No Comments
Who doesn’t dream of being a rock and roll legend? Millions of people fantasize about being the drummer of a popular rock band. But for most of us, this dream will never materialize. Thankfully, there are now video games that allow us to indulge in that fantasy for very little investment. Of course, there are those of you who are “real” drummers and actually know how to make music and not just noise. For those more like me, the ones who cannot master the art of drumming, which digital drum kit we use to play Rock Band does not matter. However, if you are actually an experienced musician and you are in the market for a drum kit you might want to check out Yamaha or Ion digital drum kits.
Yamaha drums are in a class of their own; there is little argument that they are a leader in the music industry. Yamaha can offer both traditional drum kits and digital kits. Yamaha carried five lines of distinctive digital drum kits to choose from. These kits are all high quality and are geared for the most part toward the experienced user. One line is featured as a learning kit, but the other four are geared toward those who know what they are doing. Yamaha focuses on sound and feel of the drum kits. They strive to achieve not only a sound that mimics a traditional wood or metal drum, but they also try to have the digital drum kit feel similar to the traditional kit. Feel is an important part of the experience of playing so it is nice that Yamaha takes this into account.
The Yamaha digital drum kit lines allow the player to perform and to improve by offering options such as the ability to track the accuracy of your playing. As with most digital kits, an artist can record directly from the Yamaha drum sets. The DTXPRESS line from Yamaha utilizes rubber to make the drums actually less noisy when playing. This is a great option for the garage band or the apartment dweller who has to worry about disturbing the neighbors.
Ion digital drum kits are not as renowned as the Yamaha brand. Ion has two distinct features that set their drums apart. The first is the ability to personalize the set. Ion drum kits allow you to position the individual pieces where you want them. Most sets are prefabricated molds that do not allow for this type of customization. This is a nice touch and definitely a bonus. The other main factor the Ion tries to capitalize on is the fact that you can use the set to play the popular video game Rock Band and then just switch the game controller module and you can play live. I guess this is nice if you are both a gamer and an artist.
Overall, Yamaha just has more to in the way of choices to offer their customer. Their digital drum kits are top of the line and produce excellent sound quality. Yamaha drums also have a very real feel to them when playing that is a noted extra that artists like. Overall, Ion is not really competition for Yamaha. I do like the custom placement feature, but the gaming ability would not affect my purchasing decision.
Beginning Drum Set
Posted on | March 17, 2011 | No Comments
When purchasing your drum kit, the choices can be overwhelming. Name brand, quality and price are all valid considerations. Your drum kit should meet your needs in all areas including your pocketbook. This does not mean to imply that you should purchase the least expensive set of drums to be found. Your set needs to last and quality should be a concern as well as price. So how do you determine which set is the correct blend of quality and price to suit your needs?
The first step is to assess your needs. Will the set be for practicing, or performing? What is the current skill level that you posses? Is this a hobby or something more? How many pieces should your set contain? Should you buy a digital drum kit or traditional drum kit? Once you assess your needs and expectations, you will have a more clear idea of what price and quality of set you are in the market to purchase.
Sound is one very important component of a drum kit. If the set is too cheap, the sound will not properly resonate. Properly test the set by playing it before deciding to purchase. Try multiple sets and experiment with traditional and digital drum kits. Digital drum kits are nice because they are in tune. If you are a novice, the sound may not be nearly as important to you as price will be. By the same token, a more experience drummer can make a cheap set sound better. You are not going to know until you actually sit down and play on the drum kit.
Another really important factor in the drum kit you purchase is going to be price. What is your budget? Is it a beer budget or a champagne budget? If you can afford a five piece drum set then go ahead and purchase all the pieces. If you can only afford three pieces of a set, then that narrows down your choices. Again you need to consider what your needs are. You may need to sacrifice quantity for quality, or you might not care as much about quality if you are only playing for your own pleasure. The options are a personal preference.
Some ideas to get more for your money include buying a used drum kit. There is no shortage of used sets available. You can search at local music stores for a used set. Many drummers trade their sets in for a more expensive set. A pawn broker may also have drum kits available for sale. A quick call to the local pawn shops in your area will let you know if this avenue is worth pursuing. Search through the local classified advertisements and see if anyone is trying to sell a kit that might interest you. What I like the best about these options is the fact that you can actually test the kit before purchasing it. There are no unpleasant surprises.
Another money saving idea is to shop online for your drum kit. You can scour online advertisements and auction sites. The two main objections I have with this method are that you cannot try the set before you purchase, and you will have to pay for shipping. Shipping can be quite expensive on something as large as a drum kit so I recommend exhausting all other avenues before pursing online options.
Whether you buy a digital drum kit or a traditional kit and whether it is new or used the most important things is that you are happy. Enjoy your set and play without abandon. If you play for the love of making music, it won’t matter what type of set you have.
Best Drum Kit Manufacturers
Posted on | March 7, 2011 | No Comments
If you are in the market to purchase a drum kit, there are multiple manufactures to choose from. Most of these manufacturers will include traditional and digital drum kits in their lines. Purchasing a name brand drum kit is expensive and can set you back quite a bit of money. But if you desire high end quality, then it will be worth your investment.
One of the top names in drum kits is Ludwig. The company has been making drums for over 100 years. Ludwig offers several lines to choose from. They specialize in snare drums and their website touts that they are the most toured and recorded drums in the world. Exotic wood and of course 100 years of experience help to place this manufacture at the top of the list. The company offers ten different drum kit lines to choose from. Materials include stainless steel, wood and plexiglass. Most of the sets can be customized to even further suit your budget and taste. You can choose from standard drum kits, or build your own drum kit to make your set a one of a kind treasure. While the choices can be overwhelming there is sure to be a line that suits your needs and your own personal style. And you can be sure if it is a Ludwig, it is a quality drum kit.
Yamaha drum kits are also a very popular choice among drummers. Yamaha offers traditional drum kit lines that are tailored to suit the needs of the beginning drummer to the professional. The traditional drum kits are of course able to be customized lending to virtually limitless possibilities. Yamaha utilizes multiple materials from wood to a hybrid shell technology composite. What sets Yamaha apart from other manufacturers is their electronic drum kit line. Yamaha currently offers five electronic drum kit lines that are sure to please. Whether you require a professional set for performances or need an electronic drum kit that will permit you to perform and still utilize the set to learn your craft, Yamaha can accommodate your needs.
Your choice of drum kit is personal and will differ between artists. You needs and tastes will change as you acquire greater skill. Purchasing a high quality drum kit will ensure that you will sound great and that your kit will last through the years. A quality drum kit never goes out of style, and will provide you with a greater resale value. If you are in the market to purchase a drum set, take your time and research all your options. Decide if you want a standard kit or if you would like to start out small and build your set as you grow. Do you want a traditional kit, or should you go with an electronic drum kit? The options are endless. Go to a local music store and play on the drum kits you are interested in purchasing. Make up your mind on what look and feel you want to achieve with your kit. Take your time and enjoy the process of finding that perfect kit for you. After all, you are going to be using your drum kit for many years to come.
Our 3 Top Selling Drums
Posted on | January 15, 2011 | No Comments
We have all sorts of great drums on sale but some of them are more popular than others. Here is a look at the three biggest sellers that we have to offer. They all work with their own unique features and have their own special setups that make them unique from each other.
First there is the XM Custom Electronic Drum Kit. This is a drum kit that features a full drum setup with three triggers for each part of the kit. These are the hoop, drumhead and rimshot triggers. These can work to get a variety of different types of sounds created with ease. They work to make the sounds that come out of the drum more realistic. The kit works with no visible wires too, thus making it easy to handle and set up in one’s home.
The Yamaha DTXplorer Electronic Drum Kit is the second of our top drum kits. It features a series of seven different pads that are well arranged around the body of the device. It uses dozens of different setup options and features a control panel on its left side that is incredibly easy for anyone to work with. A great benefit of this set is that it features an MIDI output for recording data and uploading it to the kit. The kit is also well fastened to where it will be very easy for anyone to play drums on it without worrying about slipping up at any point.
The third option is the Roland TD-4K Electronic Drum Kit. This is a drum kit that uses a TD-4 sound module that is mounted in the central part of the drum kit. It uses a mesh head on each pad to create a more comfortable feel while creating less sound outside of the sound that the person wants to use for the electronic drum kit. All of the pads are velocity sensitive as well, meaning that they can work with a variety of sounds that are based on how fast or hard the pads are hit. An MIDI output is also used here for sequencing purposes.
These are the top three drum kits that we have to offer. These three electronic drum kits are convenient kits that are easy for anyone to use and can make playing the drums fun and enjoyable. Anyone who is interested in drumming should take a look at these three options.
Roland Rhythm Coach RMP-5 Electronic Drum Trainer
Posted on | December 15, 2010 | No Comments
Anyone who is looking to work with learning how to play electronic drums or looking to improve one’s drumming skills should take a look at the RMP-5 trainer device from Roland. This is an impressive tool that can get a person to work with all sorts of different types of sounds. It can work on many different electronic drum kits as well.
The RMP-5 is practically a continuation of the RMP-3 trainer that Roland released a few years ago. It has the same single piece setup that features the control panel, data chips and pad on the same piece. It is also able to still work alongside a number of different electronic drum kits.
There are some new things to see here as well. For example, in addition to working with standard drumming processes the trainer can also work with hand percussion processes. This is thanks to how the RMP-5 is built with triggering that has been influenced by V-drum technology. The ability to get sounds created as accurately as possible through the device is easy to see.
The device also records one’s progress in a training project. The display screen labels how much drumming one can do as well as looking to see if a person can keep up with one’s drumming task and with a particular type of beat.
The Rhythm Coach is a very convenient feature on the panel. This is used to measure how well a person can stack up with a rhythm exercise. This is a necessity for any person who wants to work to get a better rhythm going on one’s drum kit.
A variety of different types of drumming sounds are supported on the trainer. These include such common sounds as standard drum sounds plus various percussion instrument sounds. There are more than six hundred different types of sounds that can be handled here, making this a great drum for anyone to use for a variety of effects.
The controls on the device are easy to handle. There are a series of buttons that are clearly labeled on the panel.
An MIDI input and output is also featured. This is a feature that can get this device to work with sequencers or with an MIDI controller.
It is also easy to use this without disrupting other people. The mesh head works to absorb sounds from the outside, thus making this more bearable on other people.
The RMP-5 device from Roland is only £159 in value. It is available on Amazon.co.uk with free shipping.
The Many Drums of Christmas
Posted on | December 11, 2010 | No Comments
You can get a true love to someone who enjoys drums and get a good drumming gift to that person for Christmas. There are eleven great things that you should see with regards to drums.
The Digital Electronic Seven Drum Pad Kit from ACL is a good option. This is a drum kit that features seven drum heads on a convenient and easy to handle panel. The drum pads are able to work with all sorts of intensity levels and to handle different types of tones.
The Xbox 360 IED07 Drumrocker from Conrad is the second option to see. This is a convenient tool for any drummer who enjoys video games on the Xbox 360 system. It is a kit that is compatible with various music games and is easy to set up.
The Yamaha DTXplorer Electronic Drum Kit is the third set to see. This is a drum kit that works with more than thirty arrangements and with easy to handle toms and cymbals. They all respond to different velocity levels.
XM’s Custom Electronic Drum Kit is a set that features a series of electronic toms with three triggers for each device. These are used to make the drums more realistic in terms of how they all sound.
The Technote DD501 Digital Drum Kit from Session Pro is the next drum set to see. This works without the use of visible wires and has seven different materials for players to use.
Ion’s Pro Session Electronic Drum Kit is another good set. It features plenty of pads and can work with more than a hundred different types of sounds.
Roland’s TD-4K is an electronic drum kit with velocity sensitive toms and cymbals that work with choke controls. All snares have mesh heads as well.
Another drum kit from Roland is the V-Drums TD12kx. This works with adjustable arms and floor toms. It is a more stable device.
The Roland KD-120 V-Kick Trigger is a good tool to see. This is a drum device that works as a twelve-inch trigger for a kick drum on a Roland set. It works with less vibration and with less sound outside of the sounds created by the kick drum.
The Ion iED05 USB Digital Drum Kit is a set that uses a series of six pads that can be adjusted through one’s computer. This is through the use of a USB connection.
Finally there is the Roland TD20WT+P. This is an advanced set that features the company’s TD-20 module and offer custom cymbal options.
Each of these drums can be found through Amazon.co.uk. Free shipping is available on select items.
Roland TD-9K V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit
Posted on | December 2, 2010 | No Comments
One of the most advanced electronic drum kits on the market is the TD-9K V-Drums kit from Roland. This product, which is available through many places including Amazon.co.uk, is one of the most modern types of electronic drum kits on the market. It is a kit that works with a large variety of different features along with some of the latest technologies in the field of electronic drums.
The TD-9K V-Drums kit features the TD-9 sound engine. This is a unique sound engine that works to create the most realistic sounds possible. This comes from how the sounds can be adjusted in terms of how they sound when the toms and pads on the kit are hit at different levels and intensities. The controls on the kit can also work to get these sounds to be played back at varying levels. This is a great feature that makes this electronic drum kit stand out from others in the pack.
A large variety of pads are featured around the kit. The most notable of these pads is the mesh head snare pad. This is one of the most realistic feeling pads that anyone can use.
The tom pads are made with rubber materials as well. This is a different from what is used on the TD-9KX that Roland also makes.
The control on the kit is easy to handle. The control, which is on the left end of the kit, is a convenient LCD setup that allows the user to program a variety of different sounds without too much trouble.
The set can also hook itself up to any computer. It works with a USB connection that can link to a computer that can support a USB drive. This is used for .wav file playback of the sounds that a person creates on the drum kit.
The entire kit is also very sturdy and easy to handle. It uses ball clamps for the pad arms along with an hi hat mount. These are used to make the entire kit easy to adjust and set up, thus making it easier for anyone to use. The fact that all of the necessary wires for the kit are located on the inside of the kit is another advantage to see.
These features make the Roland TD-9K one of the best drum kits for any electronic drum enthusiast to use. This is a drum kit that features all sorts of features that make it easier for a drummer to be more proficient.
Top 5 Digital Drum Kits for Christmas
Posted on | December 1, 2010 | No Comments
If you are looking for a good Christmas gift for that budding drummer in your family you should look into one of these five digital drum kits. These are kits that feature all sorts of important qualities and are amazingly easy to handle.
The first of the products to see is the Digital Electronic Percussion 7 Pad Drum Kit from ACL. This is a smaller drum kit that works with seven different pads and an easy to handle control panel on the top. This is all placed in one piece with all seven pads arranged in good spaces to where they can be easily reached by the user. These pads can work with more than two hundred different sounds. They are also touch sensitive and can handle a variety of different types of sounds based on intensity.
A drummer who enjoys some good music games on one’s Xbox 360 system would definitely enjoy the XB360 IED07 Drumrocker from Conrad. This is a drum set that works with more drumming video games on the console. It is easy to control and only takes a few minutes to set up.
The third kit to see is the Yamaha DTXplorer Electronic Drum Kit. This is a kit that uses a series of seven conveniently placed pads along with an easy to handle digital control. The kit has thirty-two build-in kit designs that can be easily adjusted according to the needs that a person has for playing drums.
The XM Custom Electronic Drum Kit from XM is the fourth option to see. This drum kit features mesh drum heads and three triggers for each head. The crash cymbal can be easily altered to mute or choked modes. The entire kit can even go from the standard seven pieces that it has to sixteen pieces if one gets the right expansion materials for the kit.
Finally there is the Ion iED05 USB Digital Drum Kit. This is a drum kit that is noted for how it can link itself to any computer with a USB cable. However, it is also popular in that it uses a simple control panel on a computer alongside six unique pads that can be adjusted to where hundreds of different sounds can come from them.
These five drum kits are great kits to see for the holiday season. You should take a look at these if you know of a drummer who could use some convenient gifts.
All kits listed here are available on Amazon.co.uk. Most items have free shipping options but the free shipping can vary by the individual vendor who has listed a product on the site.
Great xmas gifts for the drummer in your life
Posted on | December 1, 2010 | No Comments
If you know of a drummer you should take a look at some of the many different drumming gifts that your drummer would enjoy. Here is a peek at five great products that your budding drummer will certainly enjoy.
Any drummer would enjoy a good drumming video game. If you know of a drummer who has an Xbox 360 video game system you should get that drummer the Xbox 360 IED07 Drumrocker from Conrad. This is a drum kit that works for a variety of different drumming games on the console. It features a series of conveniently arranged pedals and materials for a game along with a convenient Xbox 360 controller panel.
Anyone who is looking to improve one’s drumming skills should take a look at the Roland Rhythm Coach RMP-5 Electronic Drum Trainer. This is a convenient tool that can work to get a person to work on developing a better rhythm while monitoring what one is doing. It works with more than six hundred sounds and has an MIDI In/Out device for sequencers.
Drum sticks are very important and the Ahead sticks from Joey Jordison are great sticks to use. These drum sticks feature alloy cores that allow the sticks to be light in weight while creating less fatigue on one’s hands and one’s drums. Nylon tips can work with the sticks as well. The vibrations that are created in the sticks are also reduced, thus making these sticks easier for any person to work with.
The Roland KD-120 V-Kick Trigger is the fourth gift to see. This is a kick trigger that works for electronic kick drums. It uses a four legged stand that keeps it stuck in the same place. It works with a variety of Roland kick drum modules.
Finally there is the Rockschool Drums series of instruction books. The books, which start out at Grade 1 (2006-2012), are ones that work with educating a drummer on how to work with different drumming techniques. They come from the United Kingdom’s top rock and jazz music learning programme.
Be sure to consider these five Christmas gifts for the drummer in your life. These are gifts that work with ease to make it so a person will have a better time with playing the drums with efficiency. They can also be used for recreational purposes or even to allow a person to learn how to play the drums at a better rate.
All of these products are available with Free shipping through select providers. Buy the drummer in your life the perfect gift this christmas.
